Best Time to Visit

Srinagar in Summer- The best time to visit Srinagar is during the summer months, from April to June. The weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The clear skies and sunshine make it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and river rafting. Tour packages to Srinagar during this time are highly recommended.

Srinagar in Autumn- Srinagar is also a great destination to visit during the autumn season from September to November. The weather during this time is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The trees change colour, and the city is covered in vibrant hues, making it a picturesque destination for photographers and nature lovers. Tour packages in Srinagar during this time are highly recommended.

Winter in Srinagar- From December to February, Srinagar is magical when the entire city is covered in snow. The temperature during this time ranges from -2 to 10 degrees Celsius. Tour packages of Srinagar during winter offer a unique experience of skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports activities. Srinagar tourist packages during this time are ideal for adventure enthusiasts.

How to Reach

By Air: The fastest way to reach Srinagar is by air. Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, located about 15 kilometres from the city centre, is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Several airlines operate regular flights to and from Srinagar. Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination in the city.

By Train: The nearest central railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi, approximately 290 kilometres away. Jammu Tawi is well-connected to various parts of India. You can take a taxi bus from Jammu or a private vehicle to reach Srinagar. The scenic drive through the mountains takes about 7-8 hours and offers beautiful landscape views.

By Road: Srinagar is accessible from major cities in North India. The National Highway 44 (NH44) connects Jammu to Srinagar, passing through the picturesque towns of Udhampur, Patnitop, and Anantnag. Several state-run and private buses operate regular services from Jammu, Delhi, and Chandigarh to Srinagar. The journey by road takes approximately 12-14 hours from Delhi and around 8 hours from Jammu.

Major Tourist Attractions

Dal Lake: The iconic Dal Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Srinagar. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, it’s famous for its shikaras (traditional boats), houseboats, and floating markets. A shikara ride allows you to explore the lake's beauty and tranquillity.

Mughal Gardens: Srinagar has several beautiful gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. Built during the Mughal era, these gardens are known for their terraced lawns, fountains, flower beds, and stunning architecture, offering a glimpse into historical elegance.

Hazratbal Shrine: Hazratbal Shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake, is a significant religious site housing a relic of Prophet Muhammad. The shrine’s architecture blends Mughal and Kashmiri styles, making it a revered and beautiful destination for pilgrims and tourists.

Pari Mahal: Pari Mahal, also known as the Fairies' Abode, is a seven-terraced garden atop a hill overlooking Dal Lake. This serene spot is perfect for enjoying breathtaking sunset views and is renowned for its lush greenery and tranquil ambience.

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid, a 14th-century mosque in the heart of Srinagar's old city, is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. It is one of the region’s most important religious sites, attracting visitors with its grandeur and peaceful atmosphere.

Wular Lake: Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia, is located near Srinagar. Surrounded by mountains, it is a paradise for bird watchers, hosting several species of migratory birds. The lake’s scenic beauty and biodiversity make it a must-visit attraction.

Shankaracharya Temple: Perched on Shankaracharya Hill, Shankaracharya Temple offers panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant pilgrimage site and a testament to Srinagar's rich spiritual heritage.

Tulip Garden: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s most extensive tulip garden, blooms with vibrant colours during the spring season. Situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, it offers a breathtaking view of Dal Lake and is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Nigeen Lake: Nigeen Lake, often considered Dal Lake's quieter counterpart, provides a serene environment for houseboat stays and shikara rides. Surrounded by willow and poplar trees, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Shah-e-Hamdan Mosque Shah-e-Hamdan Mosque, also known as Khanqah-e-Moula, is one of Srinagar’s oldest mosques. Built in the 14th century, it is remarkable for its intricate woodwork and architectural design, which reflect the region's rich cultural and religious history.

Thrilling Activities To Do

Dal Lake: This is undoubtedly the most iconic tourist attraction in Srinagar. Known for its serene beauty and stunning surroundings, Dal Lake is a must-visit for all tourists. You can take a shikara ride on the lake and explore its various floating markets, gardens, and houseboats.

Mughal Gardens: Srinagar is known for its beautiful gardens; the Mughal Gardens are the most famous. These gardens perfectly exemplify the Mughal architectural style and are great places to relax and unwind, showcasing terraced lawns, fountains, and vibrant flower beds.

Shankaracharya Temple: This ancient temple is on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of Srinagar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of Srinagar's most famous religious sites. The temple’s elevation provides breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Hazratbal Shrine: This is a sacred Muslim shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. It houses the holy, most famous Prophet Muhammad and is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims. The shrine's unique architecture blends Mughal and Kashmiri styles, adding to its spiritual significance.

Nishat Bagh: Another beautiful garden in Srinagar, Nishat Bagh, is located on the banks of Dal Lake and is known for its terraced gardens and stunning views. The garden, designed in the Persian style, offers a tranquil environment and breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.

Pari Mahal: This ancient monument is on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of Srinagar. It was once a Buddhist monastery and was later converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh. Pari Mahal is renowned for its historical significance and picturesque setting.

Trekking: Srinagar has several beautiful trekking trails offering stunning Himalayan views. Some of the most popular treks are the Tarsar Marsar trek, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, and the Kolahoi Glacier trek. These trails provide a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.

Skiing: Gulmarg, located near Srinagar, is one of India's best places for skiing. It offers excellent skiing facilities and is a must-visit for adventure lovers. The slopes of Gulmarg attract skiers worldwide, providing an exhilarating winter sports experience.

White Water Rafting: Several rivers surround Srinagar, and white water rafting is a popular adventure activity here. The Lidder River in Pahalgam and the Sindh River in Sonmarg are the most popular rafting destinations, offering thrilling rapids amidst stunning landscapes.

Paragliding: Srinagar offers excellent opportunities, and the Gondola ride in Gulmarg is one of the best places to experience this activity. Paragliding provides a unique perspective of the region's breathtaking scenery, making it a favourite among adventure enthusiasts.

Fishing: Dal Lake is a popular fishing destination, and tourists can indulge in fishing here by obtaining a permit from the local authorities. Fishing in the serene waters of Dal Lake provides a relaxing yet engaging experience for visitors.